Distribution angle plate for a concrete floor system and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A distribution angle plate for a concrete floor system in a multi-level building is disclosed. The plate helps to create a joist bearing point at the interior surface of a vertical structural wall and proximate the top portion of the vertical structural wall. Decking may be laid flat over the top surface of the steel joist and the top surface of the vertical structural wall. This allows the decking to be screwed, welded, or shot directly to the top surface of the vertical structural wall and the top of the steel joist on the same horizontal plane. This also provides for a direct shear attachment at the perimeter of each vertical structural wall. Any height of concrete can then be poured on top of the decking, steel or wood, on a flat continuous plane. This creates a continuous solid mass between vertical structural walls in multi-story buildings, with no voids between floors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to a corresponding provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/084,950, filed Jul. 30, 2008 in the name of the Applicants of this application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to construction and, more specifically, to a distribution angle plate for a concrete floor system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Floor construction in multi-level buildings typically use open-web steel joists placed across structural supports and a concrete slab poured onto decking that is supported by the joists.

Conventional flooring systems are not ideal because of voids that are created between floors of the multi-level building; this prevents the formation of a continuous solid mass of concrete between bearing walls.

The distribution angle plate for a flooring system of the present invention creates a more solid perimeter shear because the decking lays flat and even with the top of the vertical structural wall and the top of the steel joist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a distribution angle plate for a concrete floor system in a multi-level building is disclosed. The plate comprises a first channel for engaging a steel joist shoe and a second channel for engaging a top portion of one of a joist and a vertical structural wall of the building.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a concrete floor system in a multi-level building is disclosed. The system comprises a vertical structural wall, a steel joist shoe, and a distribution angle plate comprising: a first channel for engaging the steel joist shoe, wherein the first channel comprises a vertical member for resting flat against an interior surface of a top portion of the vertical structural wall, wherein an end of the steel joist shoe is proximate the vertical member, and a horizontal member for supporting a bottom surface of the joist shoe; and a second channel for engaging the top portion of the vertical structural wall, wherein the second channel comprises the vertical member of the first channel, and a horizontal member for resting flat on a top surface of the vertical structural wall. The concrete flooring system also comprises decking coupled to both a top surface of the steel joist shoe and to a top surface of the horizontal member of the second channel that is resting on top of the vertical structural wall and a concrete slab poured onto the decking.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for constructing a concrete floor in a multi-level building is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a distribution angle plate having a first channel comprising a vertical member and a horizontal member; and a second channel comprising the vertical member of the first channel and a horizontal member wherein the second channel is perpendicular to the first channel; creating a joist bearing point at an interior of a top portion of a vertical structural wall; placing a joist shoe of a joist on top of the horizontal member of the first channel while an end of the joist is proximate the vertical member of the first channel; laying decking on top of the joist and the horizontal member of the second channel; and pouring concrete over the decking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a distribution angle plate in accordance with the present invention. The distribution angle plate is shown in use on an exterior wall and coupled to the joist shoe with pins.

FIG. 1 a is a side view of the distribution angle plate of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a distribution angle plate in accordance with the present invention. The distribution angle plate is shown in use on an interior wall.

FIG. 2 a is a side view of the distribution angle plate of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of the distribution angle plate of FIG. 2 a coupled to an interior wall. The figure illustrates several different ways in which the distribution angle plate may be coupled: welded with rebar, a strap and screws; bolted with strap and screws; or welded with a J-bolt.

FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of the distribution angle plate of FIG. 1 a coupled to an exterior wall. The distribution angle plate is shown welded with straps and screws.

FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of the distribution angle plate of FIG. 1 a coupled to an exterior wall. The figure illustrates several different ways in which the distribution angle plate may be coupled: welded with rebar, a strap and screws; bolted with a strap and screws; or welded with a J-bolt.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the distribution angle plate of FIG. 1 a coupled to an exterior wall. The horizontal member of the first channel is shown resting on top of and coupled to an angle brace.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a distribution angle plate. The horizontal member of the second channel is shown coupled to the top of the vertical structural wall with pins and supported by an angle brace.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the distribution angle plate in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a distribution angle plate shown coupled to an I-beam joist.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals and symbols represent like elements.

FIGS. 1-9 together show a distribution angle plate, hereinafter referred to as distribution angle plate 10, in accordance with the present invention. The distribution angle plate 10 may be coupled to a top portion 44 of a joist 29 or to the top surface 40 of a vertical structural wall 26. The distribution angle plate 10, in its simplest form, has a first channel 12 and a second channel 18 positioned perpendicular to each other.

FIGS. 1 and 2 each show a concrete floor system for a multi-level building which includes decking 48 laid flat on top of an open web steel joist 29 and a vertical structural wall 36. In FIG. 1, the vertical structural wall 36 is an exterior wall and in FIG. 2, the vertical structural wall 36 is an interior wall.

In FIGS. 1 and 1 a, the distribution angle plate 10 a (referred to generically as distribution angle plate 10) has a first channel 12, a second channel 18, and a third channel 24. The first channel 12 has a vertical member 14 that rests flat against an interior surface 38 of the vertical structural wall 36. The distribution angle plate 10 a also has a horizontal member 16 for supporting a bottom surface 34 of a joist shoe 30. The second channel 18 of the distribution angle plate 10 a has a horizontal member 22 that rests flat on a top surface 40 of the vertical structural wall 36. The second channel 18 also has a vertical member 20 that rests flat against the interior surface 38 of the vertical structural wall 36. And finally, the third channel 24 of the distribution angle plate 10 a has a horizontal member 28 for resting flat on the top surface 40 of the vertical structural wall 36. The third channel 24 also has a vertical member 26 that may serve as a pour stop for the concrete slab 50 that is poured in and that may provide support to the decking 48. The third channel 24 is positioned perpendicular to the second channel 18 and is positioned parallel to the first channel 12.

In this embodiment the distribution angle plate 10 a is one continuous piece, wherein the vertical member 14 of the first channel 12 also forms the vertical member 20 of the second channel 18 and the horizontal member 22 of the second channel 18 also forms the horizontal member 28 of the third channel 24.

The distribution angle plate 10 a is shown shot and pinned to the top surface 40 of the vertical structural wall 36. There may also be a top track 52 between the distribution angle plate 10 a and the top surface 40 of the vertical structural wall 36. The distribution angle plate 10 a is also shown shot and pinned to the interior surface 38 of the vertical structural wall 36. It should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the distribution angle plate 10 a being coupled to the top surface 40 of the vertical structural wall 36 by any alternative suitable means (e.g. welded, bolted, etc.). It should also be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived where the distribution angle plate 10 a is only coupled to the top surface 40 of the vertical structural wall 36 and not to the interior surface 38 of the vertical structural wall 36.

Positioning a distribution angle plate 10 in this manner creates a joist bearing point at the interior 38 of the vertical structural wall 36. The underside of the decking 48 is therefore flush with both the top surface 32 of the steel joist 29 and the top surface 40 of the vertical structural wall 36. This allows the decking 48 to be screwed, welded, or shot directly to the top surface 40 of the vertical structural wall 36 and the top of the steel joist 29 on the same horizontal plane. This also provides for a direct shear attachment at the parameter of each vertical structural wall 36. Any height of concrete 50 can then be poured on top of the decking 48, steel or wood, on a flat continuous plane. This creates a continuous solid mass between vertical structural walls 36 (i.e. load bearing walls) in multi-story buildings, with no voids between floors.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 2 a, the distribution angle plate 10 b has only the first channel 12 and the second channel 18. The first channel 12 has a vertical member 14 that rests flat against an interior surface 38 of the vertical structural wall 36 and a horizontal member 16 for supporting the bottom surface 34 of a joist shoe 30. The second channel 18 has a horizontal member 22 that rests flat on the top surface 40 of the vertical structural wall 36 and has a vertical member 20 that rests flat against the interior surface 38 of the vertical structural wall 36. Because the distribution angle plate 10 b shown in FIGS. 2 and 2 a lacks the vertical member 26 of a third channel 24, it may be used with interior walls.

FIGS. 3-5 show various types of attachments to secure a distribution angle plate 10 to the vertical structural wall 36. In FIG. 3, spot welds 56 are shown welding the distribution angle plate 10 to the top track 52 of the wall 36, or stud 54, or both. FIGS. 4 and 5 show that straps 58 may also be welded to the distribution angle plate 10 and screwed or welded to a track & header 62, a trimmer 64, a post, or a stud 54. Other attachments could be a J bolt 66, bolt 68 and/or rebar 70 welded or bolted to a stud 54, a strap 58, or multiple studs 54, screwed or welded (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The distribution angle plate 10 may also be shot or screwed into or through the top track 52 of the vertical structural wall 36.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, angle braces 72 may be used at specific points to support the horizontal member 16 of the first channel 12 of the distribution angle plate 10. The angle braces 72 may be screwed or welded to steel studs 54 and then the horizontal member 16 of the first channel 12 may be either welded or screwed to the angle braces 72.

In FIG. 8, the distribution angle plate 10 c is shown as comprising multiple pieces. In this embodiment, a first portion 11 of the distribution angle plate 10 c is one continuous piece that forms the first channel 12 and the second channel 18. The first channel 12 has a horizontal member 16 and the second channel 18 has a horizontal member 22, and the vertical member 14 of the first channel 12 is also the vertical member 20 of the second channel 18. A second portion 13 of the distribution angle plate 10 c is an L-shaped piece that forms the third channel 24. The third channel 24 has a vertical member 26 and a horizontal member 28. The horizontal member 22 of the second channel 18 of the first portion 11 and the horizontal member 28 of the third channel 24 of the second portion 13 overlap and are coupled together to form the distribution angle plate 10 c. The first portion 11 may run the entire length of the second portion 13. Or, as shown in FIG. 8, the first portion 11 may be coupled to the second portion 13 at each steel joist 29, being spaced apart by approximately 4-6 feet.

Where the distribution angle plate 10 c comprises multiple pieces, the first portion 11 and the second portion 13 may be cut thinner, thus cutting down on material and cost. This would also cause the distribution angle plate 10 c to be lighter in weight. The cost of materials may also be lessened with the embodiment where the second portion 13 is spaced apart and coupled to the first portion 11 at each steel joist 29.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the distribution angle plate 10 is shown coupled to an I-beam joist 42 with the horizontal member 22 of the second channel 18 resting on a top portion 44 of the I-beam joist 42. The horizontal member 16 of the first channel 12 would support the bottom surface 34 of a joist shoe 30 in the same fashion as the distribution angle plate 10 shown in FIG. 2.

Statement of Use

When constructing a concrete floor system of the present invention, one may select the distribution angle plate 10 b embodiment having only a first channel 12 and a second channel 18 when using it on an interior wall 36. When using it on an exterior wall 36, one may select the distribution angle plate 10 a having a first channel 12, a second channel 18, and a third channel 24. And if a builder wanted to use less materials, one may select the distribution angle plate 10 c that is comprised of multiple pieces.

A joist bearing point will be created at the interior surface 38 of the vertical structural wall 36 and near the top portion 40 of the vertical structural wall 36. This is accomplished by coupling the horizontal member 22 of the second channel 18 to the top surface 40 of the vertical structural wall 36. If the distribution angle plate 10 c comprises multiple pieces, then the second portions 13 of the distribution angle plate 10 c would be coupled to the first portion 11 of the distribution angle plate 10 c at each joist 29, being spaced apart at approximately every 4-6 feet.

A joist shoe 30 of a joist 29 is placed on top of the horizontal member 16 of the first channel 12 while an end of the joist 29 is proximate, or abuts, the vertical member 14 of the first channel 12. It should be clearly understood, however, that substantial benefit may still be obtained by the existence of a small space between the end of the joist 29 and the vertical member 14. Decking 48 is then laid flat and even on top of the joist 29 and the horizontal member 22 of the second channel 18 and concrete 50 is poured over the decking 48.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A distribution angle plate for a concrete floor system in a multi-level building comprising: a first channel for engaging a steel joist shoe; and a second channel for engaging a top portion of one of a joist and a vertical structural wall of the building.
 2. The plate of claim 1 wherein the second channel is perpendicular to the first channel.
 3. The plate of claim 1 wherein the plate is coupled to a vertical structural wall and wherein the first channel comprises: a vertical member for resting flat against an interior surface of the vertical structural wall; and a horizontal member for supporting a bottom surface of the joist shoe.
 4. The plate of claim 3 wherein the second channel comprises: a horizontal member for resting flat on a top surface of the vertical structural wall; and a vertical member for resting flat against an interior surface of the vertical structural wall.
 5. The plate of claim 4 wherein the vertical member of the first channel is also the vertical member for the second channel.
 6. The plate of claim 3 wherein the vertical structural wall is an interior wall.
 7. The plate of claim 3 further comprising a third channel for engaging decking coupled to both a top surface of the steel joist shoe and to a top surface of the vertical structural wall and for engaging a concrete slab poured onto the decking.
 8. The plate of claim 7 wherein the third channel comprises: a horizontal member for resting flat on a top surface of the vertical structural wall; and a vertical member for supporting the concrete slab and the decking.
 9. The plate of claim 7 wherein the horizontal member of the third channel is also a horizontal member for the second channel.
 10. The plate of claim 7 wherein the third channel is perpendicular to the second channel and parallel to the first channel.
 11. The plate of claim 7 wherein the vertical structural wall is an exterior wall.
 12. A concrete floor system in a multi-level building comprising: a vertical structural wall; a steel joist shoe; a distribution angle plate comprising: a first channel for engaging the steel joist shoe, wherein the first channel comprises: a vertical member for resting flat against an interior surface of a top portion of the vertical structural wall, wherein an end of the steel joist shoe is proximate the vertical member; and a horizontal member for supporting a bottom surface of the joist shoe; and a second channel for engaging the top portion of the vertical structural wall, wherein the second channel comprises: the vertical member of the first channel; and a horizontal member for resting flat on a top surface of the vertical structural wall; decking coupled to both a top surface of the steel joist shoe and to a top surface of the horizontal member of the second channel that is resting on top of the vertical structural wall and; a concrete slab poured onto the decking.
 13. The concrete flooring system of claim 12 wherein the second channel of the plate is perpendicular to the first channel.
 14. The concrete flooring system of claim 12 wherein the plate further comprising a third channel, wherein the third channel comprises: the horizontal member of the second channel; and a vertical member for supporting the concrete slab and the decking.
 15. The concrete flooring system of claim 14 wherein the third channel of the plate is perpendicular to the second channel and parallel to the first channel.
 16. A method for constructing a concrete floor in a multi-level building comprising the steps of: providing a distribution angle plate having: a first channel comprising: a vertical member; and a horizontal member; and a second channel comprising: the vertical member of the first channel; and a horizontal member; wherein the second channel is perpendicular to the first channel; creating a joist bearing point at an interior of a top portion of a vertical structural wall; placing a joist shoe of joist on top of the horizontal member of the first channel while an end of the joist is proximate the vertical member of the first channel; laying decking on top of the joist and the horizontal member of the second channel; and pouring concrete over the decking.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of creating a joist bearing point interior to a top portion of the vertical structural wall comprises the step of coupling the horizontal member of the second channel to the top surface of the vertical structural wall.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the vertical structural wall is an interior wall.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the distribution angle plate further comprises a third channel comprising: the horizontal member of the second channel; and a vertical member; wherein the third channel is perpendicular to the second channel and parallel to the first channel.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the vertical structural wall is an exterior wall. 